ALISTAIR BURNS SPIRITUAL TEAROOM OWNER GUILTY OF SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN FIFE

A man known for his role as a spiritualist and owner of tearooms in Fife has been convicted of multiple sexual assault charges involving six different women. Alistair Burns, aged 59, operated cafes in the town of Leven, specifically the Trudor Tearoom and Daunder In, which are located just doors apart on Forth Street. His offending spanned nearly five years, from January 2019 until October 2023, during which he targeted women in various disturbing ways.

During a trial at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court, it was revealed that Burns engaged in inappropriate and aggressive behavior towards his victims on separate occasions. One woman testified that Burns pushed her over a table and then mimicked sexual motions by pressing his groin into her bottom, an act she believed involved her neck as well. She described feeling shocked and confused by the incident, which he dismissed afterward with laughter and a joke. Her account was deemed credible and reliable by Sheriff Mark Allan, who emphasized that her testimony was convincing.

Another woman recounted that Burns had placed his hands around her neck and claimed he was performing a healing ritual. He also told a third victim that the movement of a crystal pendulum would reveal whether they would have sex, an act that added to the pattern of inappropriate conduct. Additionally, Burns was found to have groped or slapped the bottoms of two other women and had attempted to kiss and cuddle another woman, further demonstrating a pattern of sexual misconduct.

Throughout the trial, Burns denied all allegations, asserting that the women had fabricated their stories and that there was a conspiracy against him involving a former friend. However, Sheriff Allan dismissed these claims, stating that the evidence presented by the witnesses was compelling and trustworthy. As a result, Burns was found guilty of all six charges of sexual assault brought against him.

This case highlights the disturbing behavior of a man who exploited his spiritualist role and local reputation in Fife to commit these acts over several years. The court's decision underscores the importance of believing victims and ensuring justice is served in cases of sexual misconduct.